Chick-fil-A Kiss-In more of a … raspberry

posted at 11:31 am on August 4, 2012 by Ed Morrissey

Rarely do we get to see two competing viewpoints this explicitly matched against each other, with enough separation to judge the strength of each side. After leading politicians in three of America’s largest cities threatened to block Chick-fil-A from operating because of the political and religious beliefs of its ownership, customers flooded into Chick-fil-A locations across the country — not to overtly protest, but to show support for the fast-food chain in the face of, well, intolerance. Same-sex marriage advocates arranged for a “Kiss-In” protest to counter the “Appreciation Day” organized by Mike Huckabee and scheduled it for two days later — yesterday.

Couples sent in photos of themselves kissing at restaurants around the nation to various gay-rights websites. But the protests appeared to draw far fewer people than an event earlier this week in support of the chicken chain.

Huge crowds turned out Wednesday in a show of support for company President Dan Cathy, who ignited a national debate by publicly expressing his opposition to same-sex marriage. Critics have also said the company supports causes harmful to gays and lesbians.

The scene on Friday was much quieter at locations across the Southland.

The protests got mainly ignored, and none of them apparently disrupted business. Actually, the only complaint made to police by a Chick-fil-A location was to clear the media away, when they began interfering with business. However, that wasn’t the only involvement by police. Someone vandalized a Torrance, California location by spray-painting “Tastes Like Hate” on the outside wall of the restaurant, which turned out to be the only significant “protest” all day:

At a Chick-fil-A in Torrance where vandals painted the words “Tastes Like Hate” on the side of the restaurant Thursday night, the “National Same-Sex Kiss Day” was off to a slow start.

A steady parade of cars made their way into the parking lot as diners strolled in and out of the restaurant. Some held signs that read “Jesus is the only answer.” Many said they were there in support of Chick-fil-A and denounced the vandalism.

“It’s a civil debate; it has nothing to do with defacing someone’s property,” said Alfonzo Rachel, 40, a Torrance resident who said he dines at the restaurant regularly.

Otherwise, the protests garnered little attention, even in Hollywood, where one might expect to see the zenith of a national gay-rights protest. Via Zombie, Ringo brought a camera and took some pictures at that location, with protesters in the foreground — but with many more customers behind them, not paying the protesters any attention at all. Z captioned the image I used for the front page: “I’m Barack Obama, and I’m not yet sure if I approve this message.” Take a closer look behind the protesters, though; the place looks packed with People Not Really Giving A &*^%. In Hollywood. Ringo gave an explanation on his Facebook page:

This was taken in the heart of Hollywood, at the corner of Sunset Blvd and Highland – and I am happy to report that there were cars lined up down the street and around the corner waiting to go through the drive-thru. And the patio was packed with smiling customers eating chicken sandwiches and laughing at the handful of obnoxious protesters.

In one sense, this was a victory for free speech. Both sides of an issue have had their say. People now can choose whether or not to patronize Chick-fil-A without having politicians demand that a business adhere to their own views on religion or politics. Bullies like Thomas Menino and Rahm Emanuel should take a lesson from this exercise of free speech and free choice, a point that Chicago’s famed improvisational group Second City drove home with this skit (and believe me, this is Not Safe For Work):

However, for the Kiss-In protest organizers, this is a humiliating defeat. They should have shelved this idea after seeing the overwhelming turnout on Wednesday, knowing that they could never hope to approach that level of support. The juxtaposition of these two protests made very clear which view is mainstream, and which view is fringe — another lesson that Menino and Emanuel should heed.

Update: How did I miss that the man quoted by the LA Times in Torrance was PJ Media’s ‘Zo? At least, they have the same name and the same age, I believe.

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About 20 months ago, I wrote about a drive-thru girl who looked a LOT like Governor Palin. I told her and she went and came back with glasses on. Amazing, but younger. I was told that lefties come in and give her a bad time so she got contacts and changed her hairstyle.

I wonder if the guys in college will look past her resemblance to a non-cool person? / sarc

House of Cards

Rahm Tough! The juggernaut of election masters of 2008 is beginning to look more and more like a ship of fools who got lucky.

How is anyone supposed to think Mitt really supports freedom of speech and Traditional Marriage when he can not get on board the biggest movement ever in support of them?

Steveangell on August 4, 2012 at 1:18 PM

Mitt should go after the idiot mayors as the proximate cause of this backlash / buycott, but I don’t blame him for not mentioning the chain by name. Although if he were to do that, I don’t see a problem.

However, for the Kiss-In protest organizers, this is a humiliating defeat. They should have shelved this idea after seeing the overwhelming turnout on Wednesday, knowing that they could never hope to approach that level of support.

Uh, yeah.

In the optics war, one side clearly won, and one side clearly lost. And nobody seriously questions which side was which today.

It’s a little more challenging to stage a kiss-in, than it is just to show up and eat. As a result, I knew this would be a dud. I know a lot of you bigoted idiots have not been told this, but a lot of gay people are completely single, not the promiscuous monsters your idiotic Church’s try to propagandize into reality.

This has also made me realize is that Christianists care more about gay marriage than gay people do.

Sadly, I think the two-decade-or-so push for this PC nonsense might register a victory in November. It’s on the battle in Washington, Minnesota, and Maine.

BuckeyeSam on August 4, 2012 at 12:23 PM

I don’t know anything about Minnesota and Maine, but I do know that the reason it’s on the ballot in Washington is that the legislature passed SSM, and opponents did the heavy lifting to put it on the ballot.

If it passes in November, then the law will be upheld. That is the only way the law will go into effect.

To all those who liberals who want boycott and or flat out BAN Chick-Filet-A because of the CEO’s religious view, why don’t take you righteous indignation and show your true loyalty to your values.

Why don’t you boycott or BAN all the Catholic hospitals across this country? They have the same religious views as the CEO of Chick-Filet-A. They don’t share your Chicago values so why do you stop at a fast food restaurant?

Anybody can go to a chicken restaurant and order food. But the kiss-off protest could really only be staffed by people with same-sex attraction. That limits the population of the protests to a small (but loud and highly exalted) segment of the total populace.

It’s a little more challenging to stage a kiss-in, than it is just to show up and eat. As a result, I knew this would be a dud. I know a lot of you bigoted idiots have not been told this, but a lot of gay people are completely single, not the promiscuous monsters your idiotic Church’s try to propagandize into reality.

This has also made me realize is that Christianists care more about gay marriage than gay people do.

fatlibertarianinokc on August 4, 2012 at 1:59 PM

That was such a tolerant thing to say. While not personally familiar with the intricacies of kiss-in planning, it would seem it would just take people showing up to kiss. I guess the showing up part was really hard. The gay militant we have been getting our information from the past few days said this was going to be a real in your face moment, that the intention was to make conservatives uncomfortable. As you can see from the pictures, the people eating their food looked pretty comfortable. The people who showed up yesterday meant to antagonize people and it didn’t happen. We don’t care who you kiss. You talk about Christians stereotyping gays, and yet you send out the dregs of your ranks to make a statement, and then blame us for being bigots. You don’t make a lot of sense.

“Black swan”, tipping point, whatever you call it. Clearly a galvanizing moment. It is obvious that a lot of folks are sick and tired of being smeared as bigots for having a different opinion, and have had enough of the demonizing, shunning and economic assaults coming from the Left and driven by the Liberal Media.

The differences in numbers and tactics is absolutely revealing. Chick-fil-A supporters didn’t protest at all, just showed up in huge numbers and patronized the business as a show of support.

Entirely positive and a massive success.

The militant gay activists’ response was a handful of protesters whose intention was to offend people if not create a scene and get arrested in order to play the martyr.

Entirely negative and an absolute failure.

The huge numbers showing up to repudiate the tactics and the agenda of the Left is a harbinger of doom that should absolutely terrify Obama and his crew.

It’s a little more challenging to stage a kiss-in, than it is just to show up and eat. As a result, I knew this would be a dud. I know a lot of you bigoted idiots have not been told this, but a lot of gay people are completely single, not the promiscuous monsters your idiotic Church’s try to propagandize into reality.

This has also made me realize is that Christianists care more about gay marriage than gay people do.

fatlibertarianinokc on August 4, 2012 at 1:59 PM

dang broseph,

Not only you mad, but too stupid to get a bunch of pervs together at restaurants that aren’t hidden?

It’s a little more challenging to stage a kiss-in, than it is just to show up and eat. As a result, I knew this would be a dud. I know a lot of you bigoted idiots have not been told this, but a lot of gay people are completely single, not the promiscuous monsters your idiotic Church’s try to propagandize into reality.

fatlibertarianinokc on August 4, 2012 at 1:59 P

Just another lame liberal excuse for yet another liberal failure to motivate people to your side.

As in past tense? Those in support of CFA are still having their say. I know some that were going to CFA on Thursday because the lines were too long, and they didn’t have the time to wait on Wednesday. Many were going again on Friday…to counter the counter protest. One family I know still planned on making sure they got to CFA today because they couldn’t get there at all during the week, and still wanted to make the gesture. Supporters haven’t stopped!

Votes mean nothing in referenda any more. Liberal judges overrule all the votes in favor of the minorities.

Liam on August 4, 2012 at 2:24 PM

Unfortunately, you are correct, but not in every case. The gay movement, which is very strong here in Oregon, didn’t even challenge the Constitutional amendment when it passed in this state. I suspect they felt they wouldn’t be successful, otherwise they would have challenged it. We, now, have civil unions.

To all those who liberals who want boycott and or flat out BAN Chick-Filet-A because of the CEO’s religious view, why don’t take you righteous indignation and show your true loyalty to your values.

Why don’t you boycott or BAN all the Catholic hospitals across this country? They have the same religious views as the CEO of Chick-Filet-A. They don’t share your Chicago values so why do you stop at a fast food restaurant?

maddmatt on August 4, 2012 at 2:12 PM

If they actually lived up to their ban principles; then they couldn’t drive around in cars. How many countries in OPEC kill gays?

New research at San Francisco State University reveals just how common open relationships are among gay men and lesbians in the Bay Area. The Gay Couples Study has followed 556 male couples for three years — about 50 percent of those surveyed have sex outside their relationships, with the knowledge and approval of their partners.

That consent is key. “With straight people, it’s called affairs or cheating,” said Colleen Hoff, the study’s principal investigator, “but with gay people it does not have such negative connotations.”

I know a lot of you bigoted idiots have not been told this, but a lot of gay people are completely single, not the promiscuous monsters your idiotic Church’s try to propagandize into reality.

fatlibertarianinokc on August 4, 2012 at 1:59 PM

Fine, but gay people would not have these problems if they did not wear their sexual proclivities on their sleeve and attempt to FORCE their behavior (which should remain in the bedroom) on anyone and everyone claiming it is a civil right analogous to having a different skin color. What’s with the rainbow stickers on cars and the stupid yellow equal sign on a blue background? Why would anyone care what you do in the bedroom while on the highway? I’m a proud member of the NRA, but I don’t flaunt it.

Comparing abnormal behavior to the struggle of black people decades ago is quite a stretch and laughable.

Not tolerating abnormal behavior in public does not bigot make. The bigots are the intolerant ill behaved gaystapo attempting to force people into accepting their behavior as normal and good.

Sorry, but gay behavior ain’t normal, OK, or good. It never has been and it never will be no matter what the gaystapo does.

Kiss ins and more in your face behavior only alienates more people who are “live and let live”, but now grow weary of the childish tantrums of some really weird people.

Hey guys, why stop with a little kissing? Perform some more of your moves for the public!! See if you can avoid more of the revulsion that you and the president are stirring up!! Maybe display some posters of Jerry Sandusky to win more hearts and minds!!

New research at San Francisco State University reveals just how common open relationships are among gay men and lesbians in the Bay Area. The Gay Couples Study has followed 556 male couples for three years — about 50 percent of those surveyed have sex outside their relationships, with the knowledge and approval of their partners.

That consent is key. “With straight people, it’s called affairs or cheating,” said Colleen Hoff, the study’s principal investigator, “but with gay people it does not have such negative connotations.”

melle1228 on August 4, 2012 at 3:16 PM

Well there’s an argument for same sex marriage if I ever heard one: We cheat as much as you, but without the guilt.

The juxtaposition of these two protests made very clear which view is mainstream, and which view is fringe —

The intolerant Left is this country is overlooking one very important point. They will demonize those who hold different opinions to the point that people will not voice their opinions but leave them unspoken. The chorus of the Leftist viewpoint will give them the opinion that everyone thinks like they do. Until a moment like the Chick-Fil-A issue brings out the masses in support of CFA or Democrats take a trouncing like they did last November and then the Left will scratch their heads wondering what happened. If the Left in this country won’t listen and tolerate my difference of opinion then they will when I vote, either with my wallet or my ballot.

Talking about political correctness running amok, there is a story out about people being offended at NBC for showing an ad with a monkey in it after the gymnast Gabby Douglas won her medal and they were in a frenzy on twitter. The ad was promoting a new TV show and had already been run several times. NBC had to apologize because these idiots saw a monkey and actually compared Gabby with it. Who makes that comparison and is offended? Who are the true racists?

It’s a little more challenging to stage a kiss-in, than it is just to show up and eat. As a result, I knew this would be a dud. I know a lot of you bigoted idiots have not been told this, but a lot of gay people are completely single, not the promiscuous monsters your idiotic Church’s (sic) try to propagandize into reality.

This has also made me realize is that Christianists care more about gay marriage than gay people do.

fatlibertarianinokc on August 4, 2012 at 1:59 PM

How difficult is it to drive to a restaurant and stand around and smooch?

I’d say that we do indeed care more about marriage and what it stands for. Also apparent is that we do care more about free speech and how to civilly express it. This wouldn’t have been a major issue in the first place if it weren’t for the LSM and various Leftist pols jumping all over CFA as an opportunity to make political and ideological hay out of Mr. Cathy’s beliefs.

What’s a “Christianist”?

Lastly, I doubt gays would have the slightest interest in being married if heterosexuals didn’t marry…that is, I don’t think that gays invented marriage thousands of years ago.

In the article to which I earlier linked, two kissers held up a little sign that said, “We won.”

What did they ‘win’? A photo-op in an online news article? Pfffft!

While the Friday queer kiss-in was overblown (no pun intended), I bet more people bought meals at the stores every hour yesterday than all the queers showed off and showed out all day. And, at least the patrons paid for their meals. The protesters got charity and kindness they didn’t deserve.

Typical of liberals–not only do they get a lot of handouts, but they’re also ungrateful for them.

Talking about political correctness running amok, there is a story out about people being offended at NBC for showing an ad with a monkey in it after the gymnast Gabby Douglas won her medal and they were in a frenzy on twitter. The ad was promoting a new TV show and had already been run several times. NBC had to apologize because these idiots saw a monkey and actually compared Gabby with it. Who makes that comparison and is offended? Who are the true racists?

silvernana on August 4, 2012 at 4:22 PM

ABC radio news reported the other day that the thousands who lined up to go to CFA restaurants Wednesday were there to protest gay marriage…nothing about supporting free speech.

Mitt should go after the idiot mayors as the proximate cause of this backlash / buycott, but I don’t blame him for not mentioning the chain by name. Although if he were to do that, I don’t see a problem.

bbhack on August 4, 2012 at 1:25 PM

Mitt also should go after mayors of “sanctuary cities.” I would imagine the the mayors of Chicago, Boston and San Francisco are “Two-fers.”

They should have shelved this idea after seeing the overwhelming turnout on Wednesday, knowing that they could never hope to approach that level of support. The juxtaposition of these two protests made very clear which view is mainstream, and which view is fringe — another lesson that Menino and Emanuel should heed.

Maybe they should’ve shelved it, but I’m glad they didn’t. Sometimes, these brainstem liberals need to see the relative proportion of influence that they actually wield in this country. It’s a scant fraction and they make up with it with their big mouths, big power, and big threats like the &^*%ing video showed, *ahem*, well. The truth is that the gay fraction in this country is just that–a small fraction, like 1%. Their vote counts just as much as yours or mine. Put their values up on the ballot and they lose big. Put them in the free market like yesterday and—same result.

truth hurts libs. Just because it hurts, doesn’t mean it’s not the truth.

ABC radio news reported the other day that the thousands who lined up to go to CFA restaurants Wednesday were there to protest gay marriage…nothing about supporting free speech.

Dr. ZhivBlago on August 4, 2012 at 4:29 PM

Believe it was Rush this week who pointed out that the media for the most part don’t report the news anymore (of course, all of us here already knew that). This is why most people are so misinformed or are completely ignorant of what is going on in the world of politics. They are shameful and corrupt, and more and more people are seeing this. They have literally become an arm of the Democrat party. It is a formidable obstacle for the Republican candidate, whoever it is, to overcome.